Vale Denis Callinan 1954-2008
On Wednesday the 16th of January 2008 a huge light went out in the world with the passing of our dear friend,
S.A.N.D. founder Denis Callinan.
A lawyer by trade and avid surfer, Denis was an inspired individual who divided his time between 'selfish' pursuits like chasing waves around the planet and 'selfless' pursuits like organising countless charitable events and working tirelessly for the greater good. To say Denis had a lust for life is an understatement. He was always the happiest person out in the water, and the most enthusiastic person on land, and his sheer energy and compassion for others ensured all who met him came away feeling a better person for having met him. To view Denis's Memorial site overflowing with dedications and messages, visit www.deniscallinan.com
S.A.N.D. founder Denis Callinan.
A lawyer by trade and avid surfer, Denis was an inspired individual who divided his time between 'selfish' pursuits like chasing waves around the planet and 'selfless' pursuits like organising countless charitable events and working tirelessly for the greater good. To say Denis had a lust for life is an understatement. He was always the happiest person out in the water, and the most enthusiastic person on land, and his sheer energy and compassion for others ensured all who met him came away feeling a better person for having met him. To view Denis's Memorial site overflowing with dedications and messages, visit www.deniscallinan.com
S.A.N.D's Driving Force
One of Denis's proudest accomplishments was forming S.A.N.D. Aided by his close friends and longtime S.A.N.D cohorts like Rabbit Bartholomew, Denis was forever developing ways for S.A.N.D to harness the goodwill of people to make a difference. While the group's focus may have changed over the years from raising awareness for world peace to raising funds for local charities, Denis ensured S.A.N.D's overriding theme was always working towards the greater good. In doing so, he has inspired generations of others to do the same.
"As a young grommet on the Gold Coast I used to take part in the S.A.N.D. super series. It was a string of surf contests for local grommets, and an opportunity for S.A.N.D. to alert everyone on local oceanic issues. I would watch Denis give so much of his time to S.A.N.D. and was naturally inspired to do the same once I had grown up and learnt how to be less selfish.
Denis showed me how a true surfer gives back to the ocean that gives them so much. Through his example I learnt that giving is really the only satisfying form of receiving. I didn't know all that when I was a kid, but it is clear to me now that Denis really did inspire me to take my own course in Ocean Conservation and service to others. Denis isn't gone, his body has left this Earth, but through giving so much of his spirit he lives eternally. Much gratitude and respect to his spirit. I hope he's enjoying the greatest ride of all." Professional surfer and activist, David Rastovich
We form an impressive circle like long white pointed teeth radiant in the sun
Hundreds are here in Denis' memory to sow his ashes in the green waves
Under Jebreen's outstretched fingers, the long volcanic rocks of the Point
Show the shadowy way seawards where we are all at home
The last straggle of surfers drifts towards the rocky beach
We do not speak but seek out the offered hands of silent warmth
As our minds are numbed - not by the temperature of the water
But by the sheer scale of our loss - cajoling us onwards to our lives
Beyond the white strip of sand in the distance
We sit in cafes subdued by memories of Denis - words don't come easily
As we wait for time to make sense of the void before us
Then someone relates something about Denis years ago
As we smile a seagull dives and rays of morning sun filter through
And make the light clear and more radiant than before
Mike Snee, S.A.N.D.
"As a young grommet on the Gold Coast I used to take part in the S.A.N.D. super series. It was a string of surf contests for local grommets, and an opportunity for S.A.N.D. to alert everyone on local oceanic issues. I would watch Denis give so much of his time to S.A.N.D. and was naturally inspired to do the same once I had grown up and learnt how to be less selfish.
Denis showed me how a true surfer gives back to the ocean that gives them so much. Through his example I learnt that giving is really the only satisfying form of receiving. I didn't know all that when I was a kid, but it is clear to me now that Denis really did inspire me to take my own course in Ocean Conservation and service to others. Denis isn't gone, his body has left this Earth, but through giving so much of his spirit he lives eternally. Much gratitude and respect to his spirit. I hope he's enjoying the greatest ride of all." Professional surfer and activist, David Rastovich
We form an impressive circle like long white pointed teeth radiant in the sun
Hundreds are here in Denis' memory to sow his ashes in the green waves
Under Jebreen's outstretched fingers, the long volcanic rocks of the Point
Show the shadowy way seawards where we are all at home
The last straggle of surfers drifts towards the rocky beach
We do not speak but seek out the offered hands of silent warmth
As our minds are numbed - not by the temperature of the water
But by the sheer scale of our loss - cajoling us onwards to our lives
Beyond the white strip of sand in the distance
We sit in cafes subdued by memories of Denis - words don't come easily
As we wait for time to make sense of the void before us
Then someone relates something about Denis years ago
As we smile a seagull dives and rays of morning sun filter through
And make the light clear and more radiant than before
Mike Snee, S.A.N.D.
